LOOK

One of the four “precious gems,” Emerald is a vibrant green variety of the mineral Beryl that often has yellow or blue overtones.

Naturally occurring Emeralds are assessed differently than diamonds due to the high frequency of inclusions that are found in their hexagonal rough crystals.

They are referred to as three-phase inclusions, which occur when a tiny amount of gas fuses with rock salt and liquid to form a gap in the material.

LORE

The word Emerald comes from the ancient Greek “Smaragdus” meaning, “Green.” The first Emeralds were mined in Egypt around 3500 BC. Famed female Pharaoh, Cleopatra had a well documented penchant for the gem which she often wore in head dresses.

Pliny, the great Roman scholar wrote simply, “Nothing greens greener,” and encouraged others to gaze into their soft hues to relieve eye stress. In the 16th century, Cortez, the Spanish conquistador, returned from the New World with impressive Emeralds that dazzled the Spanish royals and led to a renewed desire amongst European nobles.

One of the most notable examples of Cortez’ spoils was a large stone on which he engraved “Inter Natos Mulierum non sur-rexit mayor,” a passage from the book of Matthew which translates to “Among those born of woman there hath not arisen a greater” in reference to John the Baptist.

Emerald was also one of the four stones that God gave to King Solomon endowing him power over all his creations. Over the centuries it has been believed to cure disease, reveal truths, cause eloquent speech, and even allow one to see the future if placed under the tongue.